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Can't play 4-string anymore!!

#21
I played nothing but 5s for the entire 2000's and flat out could not play a 4-string during that period. But around 2011 I decided I wanted to "start over" with the instrument so I got a 4 and forced myself to relearn that instrument. I got completely comfortable on that, then added a 5'er strung E-C to mess with chords and different ranges, and now have swung back to mostly playing 5-string B-G. I still pick up my 4-string but my "comfort" has migrated back to 5. That said, if I play 4 regularly then I don't have problems switching. If I don't play the 4, then I do have problems. So it really is just time/effort spent woodshedding. 4-string and 5-string are different instruments...
 
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#22
I'm the opposite. I dislike 5 strings, maybe the size of my hand and fingers, I don't know.
OTOH I like to have more notes available below E.
So I'm using a Hipshot Drop C (in fact 3 positions: E / D / C) but most of time is on E.
One thing that I really don't understand is a lot of friends here that says not using string G... I use it all the times, my G string is the best place to make the voice of my bass speaks...
1372128834158.jpg

I use to say that my bass heroes uses to play with just 4 strings, so...
 
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#23
Hi,

My little collection.

KRB-Ranch-122813-012_zps99baa727.jpg


You might notice the Jazz Bass Special has a Hipshot on it but I rarely use it. My ('95) Carvin LB76 has been my main axe for 20 years. I bought the Guild Pilot 5-string in 1991 when country music started changing. When the gig calls for it, a fancy showcase or similar, I use each bass for their sound; the ('79) RD Artist for classic rock stuff, the Kingman for acoustic material, the ('84) JBS w/flatwounds for vintage country, and the Guild is mostly for backup to my LB76 but I like using it for the (very little) slap and pop I do because of the string spacing. (The Ampeg is not mine, part of the backline.)

When I move away from my 6 string to a 4 string I really have to think about it, especially if I'm used to playing a song on the 6 and happen to be playing it on a 4 string. I have to remember to change positions more often. The 6 string makes me kind of lazy because I can just grab a higher or lower string instead of moving my hand up and down the neck. When I'm on a 4 string I don't use the "floating thumb" technique like on my 6 string. I just rest my thumb on the pickup. My Carvin is very versatile but sometimes I like using the proper tool for the job. ;)


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
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#24
Completely depends on the gig, IMO/E. If I need the 5, I use that. If I don't, I use a 4. I have a 6 and could play anything on it; I suppose. I do like the detuned lower notes on the 4 vs lower notes on the 5; but, there are some tunes that get lower than my HipShot. But, not often.

The main thing is to be musical on any of the platforms. So, it really depends on your gig and what the parts call for. Modern Country - yup, need the lower notes. R&B and Rock covers - usually don't need them, except maybe some drop tunes. And it's not like all 4 banger territory is oldies. Give me a break. Most of the Bruno Mars lines are done on the 4 (Jamareo!). Jazz or Indie - whatever, your call.

I will say this: over the course of a normal bass playing "career" (LOL), a player will typically play a bunch of different pop styles. It's nice to be fluent in each, able to adapt, and be musical on whatever instrument you are gigging. My $0.019.
 
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#26
Lol Im the opposite, something about having an odd number of strings, but then again thats one for each finger....the one 5 string I had was a Schecter stiletto 5, very thin neck, I loved it and wish I kept it.
 
#27
BassCliff said:
When I move away from my 6 string to a 4 string I really have to think about it, especially if I'm used to playing a song on the 6 and happen to be playing it on a 4 string. I have to remember to change positions more often. The 6 string makes me kind of lazy because I can just grab a higher or lower string instead of moving my hand up and down the neck....
Click to expand...

^^^^
Yes.

I'm 57 and usually play a six. I have some fours that I've had for years and likely won't get rid of because they're sentimental to me, I suppose. But I almost never play them. I like fives OK, but six for me.
 
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#29
I played 4 string for about 15 years, switched to exclusively 5 string for about 15 years and made a move back to the 4 about 5 years ago. For gigs I play a 2012 Fender Jazz 4 string and also play my Stingray 5er on a few tunes. Not really an issue going back and forth. I use the G string as my reference instead of the E or B strings.

I played the 5 string exclusively when I played in the praise band at church. Most songs seemed to need the lower notes. At least the Eb and D.
 
#31
I had a 5-string back in the 90s which I loved for what I was playing back then. Switched to 4-string when I switched to playing acoustic bass exclusively though. However, my needs have recently changed and I have an Ibanez AGB205 on order. Really excited to get back into playing a fiver again!
 
#33
Playing a fiver has made me a better player. Having the A in the middle is more comfortable for me. It's easier playing patterns across the fretboard. While I use the mid and upper register to cut through, the B is there like a secret subsonic weapon. After 40 years of service my Precision has gotten a well deserved retirement. So I'm in.
 
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#34
Learned on 4s and played bars for a few years, then took a long break. When I came back I started playing for my church. Ended up gravitating to 5ers. Last summer got back together with my old band, and sold my 5ers and picked up one each of the Road Worns, P & J. Now I just tune down as needed.
 
#35
I switch between 4-string, 5-string, 5-string fretless, and upright—all in the same song! ;)

No. But I do play them all, usually in the same week. I think going between fretted BEADG to fretless EADGC is the weirdest, but upright is always the "queen of hard." :cool:

You just gotta keep at it and be certain you will succeed.

Then there's my soprano Uke!
 
#36
Makatak said:
It might be an age thing, I dont know how old you are but im 47 years old and after playing 4 strings for 30 years, and attempting to feel confortable with 5 on many occasions, I can`t seem to get with it. Im able to " switch off " on 4 and enjoy the gig and either slap furiously or groove seamlessly without feeling cramped. I totally get the five drive but it`s just not me. Give me a Hipshot D-Tuner though :)
Click to expand...

Same. Been playing 4 for 45 years and switched to 5 couple months ago just cause

Like it just fine, but nowhere near as comfortable yet
 
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#37
Not really the same but I've always played 4s. I've had 2 5ers in the past. A Bongo and a Stingray copy. They were a struggle to play, extremely frustrating.

I recently took delivery of a Yamaha TRBX505 and was instantly playable as the same level. Been playing it non stop and feels like a dream.

Even after 2 days, going to my Precision is beginning to be awkward. Not sure ill touch a 4 regularly ever again.
 
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#38
Sixgunn said:
A few years ago, I got bit by the 5-string bug and have never looked back! I LOVE my B string, the feel of the neck etc. Fast forward to now. My band is playing some songs that were very specifically 4-string songs (Hallowed Be Thy Name, for one) so I thought it would be cool to dust off my old (1965) P-bass and "Steve Harris out"! FAIL!! 4-string just feels WRONG now. 5s have made my "floating thumb" technique (finger player obviously) totally second nature now so the B string is often times where my thumb is. Also, I love having the A string in the middle. String orientation, playing a 4 now is confusing! I'm sure that I could re-learn it quickly but honestly, I love my 5s and I don't really see the point. Long story short, I now play Iron Maiden songs on boutique 5-strings..... The SACRILEGE!! Oh.... steel rounds too!!!!
Click to expand...

You are not alone! I was a 4-stringer up until the early 90's, then I picked up a 5er. Right after that, I got robbed and out of necessity(I.E. lack of money)I could only afford one bass, so I bought a 5er. I've been a 5-string B-G guy ever since!

Baird6869 said:
I'm the same. I pick up my 70's Fender P or J now and they just feel weird.

I wouldn't say I CANT play them, but I miss the B string even on songs where it is basically a thumbrest.

My 6 string also feels weird as the C screws me up, so it is obviously all about personal preference.
Click to expand...

Baird6869 said:
In my case, I am 46 and started playing 4's when I was 15 or so. I bought my first 5er about 8 years ago and went back and forth with 4,5 and 6 strings for a few years.

I finally standardized on 5ers almost exclusively about 3-4 years ago. I finally realized that I don't have to use the B for everything or change my playing a ton. I still have a few 4 strings and I still play them, but really prefer 5ers.

Modes and most theory strangely come much easier on a 5 for me as an example.

My 5ers are all 19mm 34" as well. I couldn't slap or play very well on a 16.5mm 35" 5er to say the least.

To each their own!
Click to expand...

I agree with Baird6869, it's not that I can't play a 4, it just feels really weird. I recently did the same thing as Nostatic, I wanted to get comfortable on a 4 again, so I got one and, basically, relearned my band's entire setlist on the 4-string, including the dropped D stuff. It just doesn't feel right, though. LOL!

I'm gonna try to keep a 4-string in my arsenal, just because so much great music has been made on a 4-string, but I have made friends with the fact that I am a 5-string bassist...;)
 
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#40
I just got my first 5 string last week. I think I had only touched one maybe once or twice in my life. I took it to a jam the day I got it and gave it the test. I really liked it a lot. I still like my 4s, but I am really enjoying the 5. Sounds like it might to be a good idea for me not to favor one over the other, but keep playing both. I don't mind.
 
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